Chicago Bulls traded Luol Deng because of Jimmy Butler
The Chicago Bulls dealt forward Luol Deng, one of head coach Tom Thibodeau’s favorite players, to the Cleveland Cavaliers last season. The Bulls tried to re-sign Deng during the season but he rejected their offers. After the season, Deng wound up signing with the Miami Heat.
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Some were surprised by the Deng trade because of how well liked he was. Joel Brigham of Basketball Insiders explains the Bulls traded Deng because of the emergence of Jimmy Butler as a legitimate starter and the presence of Mike Dunleavy, Jr. and Tony Snell behind him.
"Dennis, thanks for the full-name reference! The thing about Luol Deng is that the Bulls made a decision to let him walk almost a year ago because they felt like Jimmy Butler, Mike Dunleavy and Tony Snell could hold that position down, more or less. Snell was pretty good last year, and nobody is questioning Dunleavey’s effectiveness. I think the additions of Gasol, Mirotic, Brooks and McDermott offset the loss of Augustin and Deng. Chicago is loaded. They’ll be fine."
Butler is a younger player, who like Deng, can defend. He’s also cheaper, but that’s about to change – the Bulls and Butler are talking about a contract extension.
Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league as we get you ready for the start of the 2014-2015 season.
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